Nightclubs

Zanzabar is a local institution. Since its opening in 1938 it has changed templates many times, but it has always remained a local watering hole. The recent incarnation has it all, from old-school arcade games and pinball tournament nights to local farm-to-table food and live music, things have surely changed since those prewar days. The food and drinks are outstanding, but a lot of people come just to revert back to their childhood with games like Paperboy, Asteroids, Frogger and Donkey Kong. When you add the live music, this version of Zanzabar appears as if it is the best one in the last 80 years.

The Phoenix Hill Tavern in the suburb of the same name is the spot to see macabre metal and rock shows, since it's location in front of the Cave Hill Cemetery is rather appropriate. But it isn't only morbid events and music mayhem here, the Phoenix also hosts special charity events and fundraisers that draw in massive crowds each year. There is normally a cover charge, however if you enjoy Marshall stacks turned up to ten, then the charge is usually worth it.

Jim Porter's is a honky-tonk and bluegrass music bar located east of downtown Louisville and it's definitely an eclectic spot. It's surrounded by the lush foliage of Beargrass Creek Greenway and it functions as a no-frills, no-fuss establishment, where the music is Kentucky proud, not to mention the bourbon behind the bar. The food menu is simple with wings, sandwiches and burgers and if you can't make it here, try their sister spot, the Phoenix Hill Tavern at the entrance to Cave Hill Cemetery.

This local bar in the Louisville exurb of St. Matthews is a place to watch Cardinals basketball, build your own pizza and dance the night away to salsa music. The downstairs part of the establishment functions as Saints, where guests can watch a game and order some pub style American grub. The upstairs area is Sky Bar, a lounge for dancing and drinks. The music isn't entirely Latin either, on certain nights live bands and DJs make their appearance as well. On Sundays, be forewarned if you're a Chicago Bears fan during NFL season, because the Saints pub (despite its name) is known as a place where Packers fans congregate.

Located inside Fourth Street Live, the Marquee Bar fills the more upscale entertainment slot here at this multi-use entertainment center. Inside the club, the decor is posh, with subdued LED lighting and sleek furnishings. Marquee also has VIP areas with bottle service as well as some private tables. During the week, the Marquee has different theme nights and don't forget that the door enforces a strict dress code, no jerseys, sleeveless shirts, etc.

Hotel Nightclub throbs until the wee hours with the beat of their international DJs. Inside, first-class accommodations, signature mixed drinks, gorgeous decor, and the dazzle of Louisville's bright young things, set Hotel Nightclub in a bracket of its own. Parties can enjoy an exclusive VIP lounge or even rent the entire club. This is one hotel where the party lasts past checkout.

The Connection is one of the most popular LGBT clubs in the city of Louisville. Almost every night of the week has a theme, from all-male review on Tuesdays to the popular drag show LaBoy LeFemme on weekends, every night is a fun one. The music is popular Top 40 with a techno remix thrown in every now-and-then and there is a cover charge on all theme nights.

Feeling blue? Stevie Ray's has the cure: signature margaritas, an enthusiastic clientele, and some of the top names in blues music playing every week. Go big on the dance floor and enjoy the tunes of a mixture of well-known and local talent. A small cover charge varies by night of the week, but Thursdays are bike nights - where bikers get in free. Some guests may wish to note that this bar is smoke-friendly.

Petrus is the equivalent of a night-long party in Old Louisville as this club plays on until the wee hours making sure that everyone's having the time of their life. The DJ belts out hip hop through most of the night while the clientele consists mainly of 18 year olds so if this scene doesn't appeal too much, head someplace else. Call for details and timings.

Manny & Merle's fuses a touch of the Old West in the kitchen (with tacos, guacamole and flat-iron steak as quintessential examples) alongside strong select bourbons you could only find in a Kentucky bar. This honky-tonk spot has everything, from amazing Southwestern-inspired food to live bands and even a nice selection of tequilas. Throughout the week, the bar/restaurant hosts live music and though many of the bands are local, on occasion a national or international star will make his/her appearance.